On my second day in Tokyo, I came across a poster for Berserk (Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler), the first part of a three-part film trilogy based on one of my all-time favorite anime series (which was, in turn, based on a wildly popular manga series). The movie’s opening happened to coincide with this Tokyo trip so I took it as a sign that I HAD to go see it – while, hopefully, picking up some Japanese during the viewing since it was unlikely the movie had subtitles (and I was right). I mentioned this to my friend Moro-san who kindly researched and forwarded me information on where Berserk would be screening, the times, and even the closest subway station and exit.
The plan was to head to Shibuya in the afternoon and catch a matinee while Akemi was at her nail salon appointment. I figured the instructions I’d received from Moro-san were more than sufficient. Akemi thought differently, however, and was actually concerned for me, possibly assuming I would wander out of the Shibuya station never to be seen again. Despite assurances that I would be fine (Hey, this isn’t my first Japanese rodeo!) she insisted on writing out a note in Japanese that I was to present at the closest police box should I lose my way – I assume something along the lines of: “My name is Joseph Mallozzi and I am lost. Please take pity on me and help me get back to the Imperial Hotel”.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to use it because, as it turned out, the movie was playing just blocks away from where we were going for lunch in Shinjuku. Akemi was greatly relieved but still insisted on walking me to the movie theater when the time came. She also held my hand when we crossed the street. I had always assumed this was simply her being affectionate.
Anyway, after Akemi enjoyed her massive strawberry for breakfast –
– and I enjoyed a papaya (that, incidentally, cost three times as much as the most expensive papaya in Vancouver but, in my estimation, wasn’t three times as good) and the leftover Hattendo cream buns, we headed out to Shinjuku for lunch at the popular Nakajima.
By the time we arrived for our noon reservation, there was already a line-up outside. According to Akemi, the restaurant is quite famous for both its food and its head chef who she likened to a Japanese Gordon Ramsay. Alas, there were no verbal fireworks during our lunch (“Look at these scallops! They’re fucking COOOOKED!”). But we did enjoy another delicious – and beautifully presented – multi-course meal:
Service was outstanding. Highly recommended – but if you’re going to go, be sure to make reservations!
After lunch, Akemi insisted on walking me to the movie theater. Since it was raining, we cut through the underground –
And so, Akemi walked me the two blocks to the movie theater and, I’m happy to report, I arrived safe and sound.
We went inside. Akemi bought me a ticket from the automated kiosk (in Japan, you can actually choose your seat in advance!), then headed up to the ninth floor cinema to scout the area with me. Since it was an hour to show time, I suggested we head back the two blocks to the Isetan and do some shopping. She seemed uncertain but I assured her that I now knew where to go. Everything would be fine. So we went to the Isetan, shopped in the basement, then parted company – after which I promptly got lost. Fortunately, I found my way back to the theater in time for the 3:10 showing.
The movie was great – epic in scope, beautifully animated, with some gorgeous visuals (especially that huge opening battle) and plenty of bloody action. And I hardly understood a word of what was said. But enjoyed myself nevertheless. It is a prequel that will ultimately cover the manga’s second arc (volume’s 3 to 13). A treat for fans of the anime series, but if I had one criticism, it was that I missed the anime’s stirring opening theme.
For our final dinner in Tokyo, we decided to do sushi and so, headed to Taku in Nishi-Azabu where we enjoyed another spectacular sushi extravaganza. Some of the highlights included –
Awesome knife skills…
And the master of ceremonies, the man behind the night’s sushi creations –
It being our final night and all, I only thought it appropriate that we say goodbye to our friends at Star Bar. Akemi and I met up with Moro-san, had a few drinks, then I dropped off some gifts for my friends. Although Akemi and Master Hisashi Kishi had never met, they recognized each other from the blog!
We called it an early night so that we could finish our packing and thereby look forward to a final free half-day. Akemi was bummed that she had lost her two-drink buzz: “Sake magic gone. Not so much funny anymore.”
We catch the 3:30 p.m. shuttle to Narita for our 19:10 flight, so we have time for a nice, leisurely lunch – and then a stroll through the basement of Mitsukoshi where I intend to stock up on goodies for the flight home.
See you all on the other side and thanks for joining me on this trip!
Mailbag:
Akemi’s friend, Harumi writes: “I’m glad that I met you. I just wanted to thank you for a great time and nice food.”
Answer: Do itashimashite! It was great meeting you too. See you again in Vancouver (maybe?) or back in Tokyo this September (maybe?).
Birdy writes: “Maybe there is something interesting you haven’t heard of, which you like to catch that even has an anime adaption:Übel Blatt Vinland Saga D Gray man Bakuman Pluto <- awesome scifi and it’s a finished story Dead Man Wonderland”
Answer: Thanks for the tips, Birdy. Once I’m back in Vancouver, I’m planning to re-immerse myself in anime big time. Tops on my list: High School of the Dead, Steins Gate, Another, Bunny Drop, We Still Don’t Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day, Mawaru Penduindrum, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and Dead Man Wonderland. I’m thinking of subscribing to Crunchyroll. Thoughts?
Julie writes: “Have you been to an onset?”
Answer: Not yet. I’d like to take a train trip from Hokkaido to Osaka next year and maybe hit a couple of onsens along the way.
Lewis writes: “There was something I wanted to ask you… while in Tokyo have you seen any interesting commercialization for obscure products by Hollywood actors (ie- like Bill Murray’s “Lost In Translation” character)?”
Answer: Yes. Tommy Lee Jones really pushing Boss Coffee –
michael1(isny) writes: “For my month in Japan, I rented a furnished apartment through Space Design. http://www.space-d.co.jp/en/“.
Answer: Thanks for the link, Michael. My friend, Koji, also directed me to the same site. I think that, on my next visit, I may just rent an apartment instead.
Shannon writes: “Madoka Magica Glad to hear that everything is working out for Akemi to stay in Canada! Maybe this is a dumb question (or maybe I missed it), but how did you two meet?”
Answer: We met during one of my annual Tokyo visits. Our first date: November 30, 2009: Tokyo Travel Day $6 – Ginza La Tour, Michel Troisgros
Blake Linton writes: “On this day when so many television commercials are unveiled, it seems appropriate to fill you in on my own ongoing campaign of “commercials” aimed at convincing Netflix to revive Stargate Universe.”
Answer: Hey, Blake – thanks for fighting the good fight!
Safe trip home, Joe and Akemi, sweet puppy faces await you! 🙂
Man, I’m so jelly that you got to see Berserk. I’m an avid reader of the manga and have waited for this to come out for some time. Glad they got Susumu Hirasawa back for the music.
Anyhow, hope you have a good week 😀
Love the ‘stargate’! 🙂
It’s been a wonderful trip, and I wish you both a good trip home!
das
Just some notes. The curry shop (Gorilla image) is Go-Go Curry, a pretty good Curry chain. I prefer them to CoCo Ichiban anyway. The owner is big into baseball (or something?) so there is some baseball stuff on the walls in most shops.
You missed the best part about the sign in the Shinjuku underground: “Don’t pee here. –> It leaves a smell. <– Please pee in the toilet". It is great that they need to add some justification for not peeing there.
The Tommy Lee Jones boss coffee ads / commercials are great. He's been doing that for years over here. The schtick (well, sometimes) is that he is an alien, and always ending up in unusual situations.
Awwwwww, meeting Akemi for the first time years ago… She is so lovely, in so many different ways. And not camera shy either. Sounds like the one for you.
Thank you! for letting us come along on your trip. I don’t know about you, but I’m wore out. I hope Akemi saw who and what she needed to see and had a great time in her homeland. Have a good trip home.
I’ve considered trying Crunchyroll, too. But at the moment, I’m too busy to really take full advantage of it. There is a free 14 day trial, so you can see if you like it before taking the plunge.
Thanks for the brief Berserk review. I’m looking forward to seeing it once it comes out in the US, even if das thinks Griffith is to feminine looking. :-p I loved the original anime.
Have a safe trip home!
Not “to” – “too”! Dang. Must be time for bed.
Wow. Could Tommy Lee Jones look any more miserable in that ad?
I find it interesting the advertising culture difference that ad exemplifies: in North America, Tommy would be airbrushed all to hell and thereby made to look hip and cool — or at pleased to be photographed. In Japan, apparently, they don’t care that his face is sagging off of him, nor that he appears to resent the harsh lighting that’s casting impenetrable shadows in his eye sockets. That ad would practically cause a scandal here, along the lines of Michelle Bachmann’s photo on the cover of Time. But there, it sells coffee.
Thanks Akemi and Joe for sharing your trip, friends and relatives with us. Have a safe flight home. 🙂
Hey Joe,
What a wonderful travel book! I love that the have a picture food guide.
The photos are always interesting a d fun. Thank you for taking time for us.
Always,
Cheryl 🙂
I’m trying to decide whether I’d lose weight or gain a whole lot if I visited Tokyo (or Japan in general). I can’t imagine eating more than 2 food items you’ve shown us, so potentially, I’d just not eat. I mean, raw horse and slimy seaweed? I can’t even eat cream cheese because of the texture. But on the other hand…the desserts all have looked pretty amazing so I might just eat my weight in sugar while there.lol
Nonetheless, I always love your food adventures! Have a safe return trip!
Joe, any plans to visit Kyoto next time you’re in Japan? It’s a nice scenic place to visit.
I hate to be the one saying this, but men shouldn’t eat tofu or unfermented soy products. They are not only toxic, but they will load your body up with phytoestrogens. Look it up.
Seriously you can’t book seats in advance in Canada? been doing it for years over here in the UK…love doing it that way straight to the machine put in your credit card and out comes ticket with seat you booked.
Love the Stargate btw…oh and have you seen the Russian Olympic games has a Stargate as it’s central sculpture! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15325178 watch the report and see if you can see it….
Kriss 🙂
Happy Trails to you both.
Wishing you both a safe trip home!
@ Sparrowhawk – Yeah, he’s just a tad too effeminate-looking for me. I like pretty guys, but they gotta look like dudes…pretty dudes, but dudes nonetheless! I am very picky. 😀 Plus, as I understand it, doesn’t this pale fella end up being the villain? And you know how I feel about the ‘evil albino’ stereotype. 😉
das
Crunchyroll is a very good website for streaming anime series, you wont be disapointed.
when you’ll re-immerse in anime series, check Boku wa todomochi ga sokunai, it’s a school life comedie genre, it’s very funny, also Another definitly one of the best Mistery anime i’ve ever seen.
And if you happen to read mangas let us know, we’ll recommend you many, since a lot of awesome mangas aren’t adapted to anime
Wow is your trip over already??? Safe travels to you both.
Hey Joe, have you ever Chocked out the Animes (is that even the proper plural?) ‘Code Geass’ and ‘Baccano!’ they’re both pretty great
Checked, I meant checked, aha
Hey Joe! Just read Dark Matter #2. That ending was pitch perfect. My jaw was on the floor. Fantastic stuff! The character dynamics are very intriguing and the seeds being planted for future plot lines are interesting. I have some theories but I don’t want to share anything until others have had a chance to read.
I can’t wait to see it in Television form.
Ochazuke; is that Chad Ochocinco’s twin brother? The salmon looks so good; I even like the mozuko; I love briney sour food.
That video of Chef Sato slicing thin perfect circles is hypnotizing. That should definitely go on youtube. I could watch that all day long, fascinating.
I’m glad you didn’t get lost; you sure you can’t test out your “lost Joe” note tomorrow just for fun?
I thoroughly enjoyed following all your adventures! I still think Akemi should have her own reality show, cooking or touring around for the travel channel, Akemi rocks!
@Joe:
Welcome back; time to relax and recoup!
@Tam Dixon:
I heard about the sugar tax, but unless it makes a candy bar $50 bucks, I doubt it will do much. Even then, there are plenty of ways to gain weight, so the only real effect I see coming is higher food prices.